Heyman's review: Advanced freeride skier

"One-Ski Quiver: the ultimate ski that carves like a slalom ski, accellerates like a GS ski, is as comfortable as an all-mountain ski, cuts through chop like a freeride ski and surfs in bottomless powder like a fat powder ski. Impossible. But which ski comes closest?"

Fantastic all-mountain/freeride ski

The Stöckli Stormrider Motion is an all-mountain/freeride women's ski. I (male, 178 cm, 85 kg) skied the 175 cm version and I give this ski a fully deserved 5 star rating. And I mean a 5 star rating for men. Why? Because on groomed terrain you only have to shift your weight a little and the Stormrider Motion immediately starts a beautiful carve turn. Because in soft and hard frozen chopped-up snow this ski behaves like it's on groomers. Because the small radius and the huge amount of edge grip make for a very tight carve turn, that produces more g-forces than you can handle. Because however flat you go through a turn, this ski will never drift 1 millimeter off line. Because the Stöckli Stormrider Motion is a great ski!

Cruise along and thunder down

And because slow turns are easy and high speed turns are intense. Because it floats reasonably well in powder and has the carving qualities of a very good piste ski. Because turn initiation is effortless and max speed is handled without tip flap. Because this ski is at the same time extremely playful and serious. And because, like me, many intermediate+ and advanced male skiers will certainly and highly enjoy the Stormrider Motion.

Stöckli about the Stormrider Motion

"This ladies' ski is a real multitalent: With substantial lift it not only ensures fun in powder, but is just as impressive on the piste with its typical Stöckli handling attributes", according to Stöckli. I agree, because Stöckli has managed to create a ski with more flex while maintaining Stöckli's world famous on piste camber precision.

Alex's review: Intermediate freeride skier

"I like that great surfy feeling of skiing in powder snow like most people do. On extreme days a pure rocker ski is nice but usually I prefer the combination with camber. That challenges me more and supplies versatility."

On the edge of male - female skis

The Stöckli Stormrider Motion was tipped to me by Stöckli to test. A lady ski wouldn't be my first choice to test, but the Stormrider Motion was a joy. This freeride ski must performance-wise be near the edge of what one would call a men's ski. Is it a unisex ski then? And although it is categorized as a freeride ski, I think you'd better look at it as ski for all hard packed terrain and not deep powder. I ski with power and energy and to me the Stormrider Motion delivers a lot of comfort. No punishment and movements go smooth. I think the Stöckli Stormrider Motion is very suitable for fit ladies with at least intermediate ski skills. I liked skiing it, but I miss the unexpected, the character, the extreme, a 3 star rating from me.

Stormrider Motion might surprise you

Stiff and steady enough for decent speed, at higher speed the tip starts to vibrate. Some find that annoying. I don't mind as it helps once you enter crud and tracked snow. Side country skiing with bumps is a perfect terrain too for the Motion. As damping is good and turning is easy, you'll get through it without a hassle. On groomers the Stöckli Stormrider Motion has its limits if you go full power and speed carving. Considering it is made for the ladies who on average put a bit less power in, it must fit perfectly. And having said that, all male skiers who want a comfortable ride, take it and try it, you might be surprised.

Stöckli about the Stormrider Motion

"This ladies' ski is a real multitalent: With substantial lift it not only ensures fun in powder, but is just as impressive on the piste with its typical Stöckli handling attributes", according to Stöckli. Yes, but a lot better on piste than in deeper powder snow for which I don't think it is suitable for.

All Freeride Skis

2017-2018 Powder Ski Review

Wider skis are better! Let's check it out.

by Craig

I have selected some of the wider offerings (approximate 115mm underfoot and above) that were available for 2016-17 season, as well, the new releases coming for 2017-18. See the individual ski reviews on the Yellow Gentian site for further details on each ski, and best internet pricing on...